Choosing a Hoop

The "perfect" diameter for you depends on your body's dimensions and personal preferences. Regardless, you can learn at least some skills with any hoop. In general, bigger diameter = easier for on-body hooping, while smaller diameter = easier for snappy off-body moves or 2+ hoops at once. If you're new to hooping and your goal is to hoop around your waist, go big (say, 100 cm) and maybe weighted. Increased diameter and weight will slow the hoop's rotation. If you're interested in crossover skills with other flow arts, such as poi and fans, you may want to start small with two hoops of the exact same size (say, 60-70 cm).

HDPE is the standard material for larger, beginner-friendly hoops (and often for LED hoops, too). It is sturdy and durable, making it hard to kink or break. Polypro is a more flexible, lighter weight plastic and is what people tend to move to when they're more experienced. It kinks, scratches and breaks more easily, but it's still quite durable.​​

In addition to grip tape, sanding or applying wax to the inner circumference of the hoop can help make it more grippy. Like tape, sanding and wax are entirely a matter of preference. Hoopsie Dizzy has sandpaper and wax they don't use, so reach out if you'd like free samples!

Tubing thickness and hoop diameter are related. 3/4" thickness is best for larger hoops (say 80+ cm diameter) to provide enough structural support. Floppy hoops tend to warp. If you're after something lightweight, flexible and springy, then consider moving to thinner 5/8" tubing and a smaller hoop diameter (80 cm or less). You may find it's easier to learn off-body skills with a lighter, smaller 5/8" hoop while on-body skills come more naturally with a heavier, bigger 3/4" hoop, but everyone is different. All the hoops pictured on this website are 5/8" thickness.​​​​​​​​​​

All tape is a choice, not a requirement. Decorative tape can make your hoop look all sorts of pretty! This tape often has a smooth surface, which may make hooping more challenging. It's also easy to damage if you hoop on rough surfaces like concrete. Grip tape helps stop the hoop from slipping. It can be wrapped either in a spiral around the hoop or just on the inner circumference. Sometimes grip tape can cause fabrics you are wearing to pill.

Hoopsie Dizzy doesn't recommend buying hoops sold at mainstream stores. You will have much more fun hooping with a quality polypro or HDPE hoop from a dedicated hoop supplier online. These start around $30-50 AUD. If you live in Far North Queensland, see FNQ HOOP TIPS for where to buy.